Four graduates were inducted into the Moorhead High School Hall of Honor at a recognition ceremony last month at Minnesota State University Moorhead. The 2018 inductees are Brad Atchison, Chuck Gulsvig, Dr. Lynne A. Kovash and Dr. Glenn R. Melvey.
Moorhead High School Principal Dave Lawrence welcomed people to the dinner ceremony, and Cassidy Bjorklund, School Board vice chair, shared a letter on behalf of Superintendent Brandon Lunak.
“As our district emphasizes lifelong learning, these honorees certainly exemplify the idea of lifelong learning and teaching,” Lunak’s letter said.
Moorhead High School Hall of Honor committee members were recognized for their work, and the corporate sponsors Bell State Bank & Trust and Gate City Bank were acknowledged for their support.
The four inductees were recognized, and plaques were presented to each honoree. Identical plaques will hang at Moorhead High School.
During their remarks, the inductees shared reflections on their experiences connected to Moorhead High School and Moorhead Area Public Schools.
Brad Atchison, a 1973 Moorhead High graduate, spoke about becoming an educator and wanting to make a difference in students’ lives like coaches did for him.
Atchison graduated from Moorhead High School in 1973. During high school, he participated in football, basketball, baseball and track. Atchison taught and coached in Clara City, Minn., for 18 years and Willmar, Minn., for 22 years. Atchison’s career record was 589-249, currently ranking sixth in all-time wins for girls basketball coaches in Minnesota.
According to Atchison, the phrase “once a Spud, always a Spud” rings true for him. “The orange and black runs deep in my veins,” he said.
Chuck Gulsvig thanked his family and the coaches he learned from over the years.
Gulsvig, a 1975 Moorhead High graduate, began teaching physical education and coaching at Moorhead High School in 1982. As the boys basketball head coach for 27 years, Gulsvig compiled a 445-222 record. In 2009 Gulsvig became public affairs director for Sanford Health in Fargo, N.D.
“Moorhead High was an imperfect place, but that’s what makes it great,” Gulsvig said. “My journey, it was great.”
Dr. Lynne A. Kovash, a 1970 Moorhead High School graduate, never expected to have so many things to be grateful for this year. Kovash spent her career in education with Moorhead Area Public Schools. She was a special education teacher, assistant principal, supervisor of planning and assessment, and assistant superintendent of teaching and learning. She served as the district’s tenth superintendent from July 2008 until retiring in November 2017.
Kovash thanked the many mentors who led her on her path through the district. “I’ve been surrounded by mentors every day,” she said. “I try to learn from everyone I meet.”
She also appreciates the supportive community.
“It’s not about those buildings,” she said referring to the new schools that opened in 2017. “It’s about what goes on inside those buildings that I hope becomes my legacy. … Thank you for making Moorhead my forever home.”
Dr. Glenn R. Melvey graduated from Moorhead High School in 1942. Melvey shared a story about Nellie Hopkins, the principal of the First Ward School, who had the back seat removed from her car so she could take the students to visit City Hall. He also spoke about the first homecoming in 1942 and about playing in the basketball state tournament.
“It was a great joy to be part of the state tournament,” he said. “I loved football and basketball.”
After graduation, Melvey served four years in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Melvey’s 47-year career with Fargo (N.D.) Public Schools included working as a teacher at Central High School, principal at Jefferson Elementary, and assistant superintendent for instruction and curriculum from 1970 until his retirement in 1997.
“I give Moorhead Public Schools credit for any success I’ve had,” Melvey said. “It was great to be part of Moorhead Schools.”
About the Hall of Honor
The Moorhead High School Hall of Honor recognizes alumni, faculty, staff and other community members who have demonstrated notable accomplishments or provided significant contributions to their school, community or society.
The nominations committee is now considering candidates for 2019. Nominations are continuously accepted for the Hall of Honor. Nomination forms are available at www.moorheadschools.org or Moorhead High School. Nominations may be submitted online. Nominations previously received are kept to be considered for future recognition.